Those who missed seeing the Virginia Film Festival documentary, “Sol LeWitt: Wall Drawings,” should at least attempt to visit The Fralin Museum of Art, which features some of LeWitt’s photographic work.
Directed by Edgar B. Howard and Tom Piper, the film documents the transformation of the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art (MASS MoCA) into the giant LeWitt exhibition, which began in 2008 and will remain standing until 2033. The film accurately and adequately highlights LeWitt’s beliefs that the artist is merely the vessel — the person with the original idea — and other people can carry out that work. In just under an hour, the film executes a beautiful, simple story of an artist who believed in the perpetual nature of art. The short and sweet format maintains viewers’ attention and allocates the perfect amount of time to sufficiently cover the expansive exhibit at MASS MoCA.
A wonderful storyline carries the film forward, starting with the context and history of LeWitt and MASS MoCA before moving into the actual installation of the exhibit. The film delves into the installation process and specifics of how teams carried out certain pieces to just the right amount. The explanations are not so long-winded that viewers lose interest, but they are enough to create more intriguing depth to the pieces. Viewers gain a greater appreciation for art they may previously have overlooked as underdeveloped or flat. The seemingly uncomplicated cinematography echoes this straightforward impression of LeWitt’s artwork, even though both required very extensive time and effort.
The film concludes by completing the arc from LeWitt’s beginnings to his final projects. The MASS MoCA exhibit itself is a testament to each phase and transition that LeWitt experienced in his work, thanks to the ample amount of space. The solid beginning, middle and end allow for a resolved, entertaining and insightful film.
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